Islip, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 26 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 26-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this ordinance, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: CREED Shall include all religious beliefs. DISABILITY A physical, mental or medical impairment resulting from an anatomical, physiological or neurological condition which prevents the exercise of a normal bodily function. DISCRIMINATION HOUSING ACCOMMODATION Any place in which human habitation is permitted by the Town. NATIONAL ORIGIN Includes ancestry and ethnicity. PERSON Includes one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives and successors. The plural shall include the singular and vice versa. STEERING OR CHANNELING OF A PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER The use of a word or phrase or action by a real estate broker or salesperson which is intended to influence the choice of a prospective home or property purchaser on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status or national origin. TOWN ATTORNEY Shall include the Town Attorney, Deputy Town Attorney and Assistant Town Attorneys. TOWN OF ISLIP Shall include all land in the geographical boundaries of the Town and any lands held in a proprietary capacity by the Town outside said geographical limits, but no land in incorporated villages.
Section 26-2 of Islip, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 26 establishes the definitions that govern how key terms are interpreted throughout the town's anti-discrimination ordinance. It broadly defines protected characteristics—such as creed, disability, and national origin—and clarifies that a 'housing accommodation' covers any place where human habitation is permitted by the Town. The definition of 'steering or channeling' specifically addresses real estate broker or salesperson conduct intended to influence a buyer's choice based on protected characteristics. These definitions set the interpretive foundation for all other provisions in the ordinance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating within the geographic scope defined in § 26-2 of Chapter 26 should be aware that the ordinance's protections extend across a broad set of characteristics, including creed, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, and national origin. Compliant operators generally ensure that their practices—and those of any real estate brokers or salespersons they work with—do not involve steering or channeling prospective purchasers based on any of the listed characteristics. Understanding these definitions helps operators apply the rest of the ordinance's requirements consistently across their housing accommodations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 26-2 of Islip's Chapter 26 defines the protected classes and key concepts that underpin the town's fair housing protections, which apply to any place where human habitation is permitted within the Town of Islip's boundaries. Tenants and prospective residents who believe they have experienced discrimination or steering based on characteristics such as race, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation may find these definitions relevant when evaluating their situation. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with a local or state fair housing agency, raising a violation as a defense in a relevant proceeding, or consulting a tenant-rights or fair housing organization for guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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